Guide To Recommended Cribs: The Intermediate Guide Towards Recommended Cribs
Top 5 Recommended Cribs
When you buy a crib, you want it to be secure and sturdy. You should look for sturdy construction and slats less than 2.4 inches apart.
Stokke Sleepi Crib is one of our top picks. It has four different mattress heights and is made of sustainable and renewable New Zealand Pinewood. It comes with a toddler's cheap cot bed.
1. Sturdy
A baby is likely to spend the majority of their time in the crib, so it is important to choose a crib that is solid enough. Find cribs that meet the safety standards and regulations established by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Consumer Product Safety Commission and focus on structural integrity. Avoid cribs with loose parts or rough areas that could harm your child.
Avoid cribs with slats too close to each other, as this could cause suffocation. Choose a crib with no decorative cutouts or drop-sides, since these options could be dangerous to your child.
Also, avoid finishes that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as these can affect your baby's breathing and sleep. Select a crib that is certified by Greenguard Gold that uses non-toxic materials. It's also beneficial to select a crib that has a small footprint, since it will save space in your nursery and limit dust accumulation.
DaVinci Kalani is an excellent option for a sturdy baby crib because it meets all of our criteria. It is easy to clean and doesn't include exposed hardware that can be in the way of toys or clothing. It also looks fantastic in the majority of rooms. The only drawback is that it doesn't include a toddler rail or as many slats like other cribs listed in this list.
Another crib we recommend is the Stork Craft Tuscany. It's a bit more costly than the other cribs on this list, but it has a sleek design and meets nearly all of our criteria, including being super-easy to assemble. It only has three mattress levels that is less than some other cribs. However, if you plan to use the crib for a long time it might be better suited to your requirements.
2. Easy to Assemble
Modern mini cribs do not require the time of a whole day to put together, unlike some larger cribs. They're usually ready for use right out of the package, and take only 30 minutes to put together with the included tools. Some even come with a built-in toddler bed conversion kit, which eliminates the cost and hassle of buying separate pieces later.
Of course, you must ensure that the crib is properly assembled with no gaps or rough areas that could snag your baby. Be sure to be attentive to the quality of the hardware, specifically screws and bolts. Make sure you tighten them securely, but not too much as this can cause the wood to crack or strip threads. Choose a solid wood crib since it is believed to be more secure than metal.
Find cribs with simple and clear instructions. Some manufacturers provide a video tutorial that can be helpful for those who may not be familiar with furniture components. A good guide will also include a list of required tools, including screws and washers.
Size is also important. A crib should be big enough to accommodate your child, but not so big that it will not fit through the standard doorway. Be wary of cribs older than a year, as they might not meet the current safety standards.
The Storkcraft Equinox 3-in-1 is a great option for those looking for a sleek, modern crib. It comes with three mattress height settings and is constructed from durable, sustainable New Zealand pinewood. It's got more exposed hardware than other choices on this list, however, some users found it more difficult to put together than they needed to because of mislabeled parts and unclear instructions.
3. Convertible
If you're looking for a crib that can last through toddlerhood and beyond, consider one that can be converted into an adult-sized bed or a daybed. Consider a convertible crib if want a crib to last until the age of toddlerhood. This will help you save money as well as space, making it easier to swap out the mattress as your child grows.
While most cribs that can be converted into a full-size bed seem like a gimmick--you just take off the side and replace it with a longer rail, the Oeuf design is a sleek high-quality crib that can transform into an actual Cot Bed frame. It is GREENGUARD Gold-certified, simple and looks great in any nursery. Additionally, you can combine it with the trundle bed that matches and dresser to create a more seamless look.
This crib is a little more substantial than other cribs in our tests. It may use up more square footage of your nursery than some of the smaller options However, it's a gorgeous piece that can stand the test of time. The parents who tested it say it's durable and easy to put together, even for those who aren't handy. It also comes with three adjustable mattress heights. This allows you to start your baby in a seated position which is simple for caregivers to handle and then raise the mattress as they get older.
This crib that converts to a convertible is more traditional than the other two cribs on this list. It's a great choice for parents looking for a crib to fit into an elegant nursery. It's also easy to set up and comes with a set of toddler-sized rails that convert, eliminating the need to buy these separately. The only downside is that it has some exposed hardware, which might be a problem for certain.
4. Eco-Friendly
Eco-friendly cribs are an ideal solution for both parents and children, offering a safe sleep environment for your child while also encouraging sustainable environmental practices. They are free of harmful emissions and chemicals that are present in other cribs, and also toxins like PVC, phthalate MDF, and lead. Eco-friendly cribs are usually made from solid wood or sustainable and renewable materials, and a lot of them are minimalist in design to reduce the environmental impact. They are usually easy to assemble and convert, and a few have a changing tray or dresser attached that can save space in the nursery.
Certain brands offer eco-friendly cribs, which are designed to grow with your child, converting to an best infant cribs infant cot bed, daybed, or full-size bed. Some cribs can come with additional features, such as an integrated changing tables or storage compartments. They should be durable and sturdy to withstand repeated usage and cleaning. The best cot beds eco-friendly cribs are constructed from non-toxic, organic materials and are low-VOC in their finish.
A great example of an eco-friendly crib is the Bloom Alma crib. The model is constructed of sustainable birchwood and has no toxic finishes or components. It is Greenguard Certified for low chemical emissions and is compliant with all safety standards. It is an excellent choice for parents looking for a crib with a sleek design that is easy to maintain and green.
Another option is the Namesake crib, which has a timeless style and high-quality construction at a reasonable price. Its sturdy slats are made of high-quality hardwood, and its non-toxic finish is Greenguard Gold certified for low chemical emissions. The crib also comes with an optional reflux leg that can be affixed to the side of the crib to create a gentle slope for babies suffering from reflux.
5. Safety First
Safety should be the primary priority when choosing the crib. Make sure the crib is strong and well-constructed with firmly-fitted and sturdy hardware. Check that it meets the current CPSC guidelines. This includes: less than 2.375 inches between the slats, no ornamental cutouts in the headboard or the footboard, and corner posts that are either in line with the panels at the end of the crib or extremely tall. Anything in between poses the risk of strangulation.
Likewise, keep all toys away from the crib since they can pose choking and suffocation hazards. If you want to use a baby monitor, choose one that is clear of sight that does not block your view. Also, ensure that all cords are out of the reach of your child and securely connected. Never place pillows, blankets or even positioners in the crib. These items can pose dangers of choking and suffocation, and could be thrown away by your baby or pulled down by older siblings.
Avoid using old cribs, as they could have outdated features that can cause injuries. Even if a crib is in good condition, the slats might be too wide or it may be missing hardware. Old cribs can also be painted with lead or loose, dangerous screws and bolts.
The Stork Craft Evolur offers a lot of features for a reasonable price, but it might be too much for those who want a simple design. Other options such as the Dream On Me Ashton 4 in 1 or the DaVinci Collby by Carter 4-in 1 have a similar style but less bells & whistles.